Running a game as an administrator on Windows 11 isn’t just about ticking a box — it actually can fix some weird permission stuff that makes games crash or run sluggish. Honestly, sometimes Windows just makes it harder than it needs to be to get your game working properly, especially with newer updates. So, giving the game admin rights can be a quick fix for a lot of those headaches.
How to Run a Game as Administrator on Windows 11
Here’s the deal: if your game keeps crashing, stuttering, or refusing to launch, running it as an admin might help. This grants the game higher-level permissions, so it can access files or system resources that it might be blocked from otherwise. Plus, for some old titles or games with anti-cheat systems, admin rights are sometimes a must.
Step 1: Find the game folder or shortcut
This is usually either on your desktop or in the list of Start menu apps. Sometimes, games are in File Explorer > Program Files (x86) or wherever you installed them. Honestly, I’ve run into situations where just right-clicking the desktop shortcut was enough, and other times I had to hunt down the actual executable in the install folder.
Step 2: Right-click the icon or executable
The context menu that pops up is your friend. This is the point where you want to do the magic: right-click the shortcut or the game’s main .exe file. If you’re using a game launcher (like Steam or Epic), you might have to find the actual game executable, not just the launcher.
Step 3: Choose ‘Run as administrator’
This is kinda obvious, but don’t skip it. Selecting ‘Run as administrator’ essentially elevates the game’s privileges temporarily. On some setups, it’s enough to just launch it once, but to always have this applied, see the extra tips below.
Step 4: Confirm the UAC prompt
Windows will ask if you’re okay with this. Click ‘Yes’. Sometimes, this prompt pops up a bit differently if you’ve set up specific permissions or have User Account Control settings set high. It’s kind of weird, but that’s Windows for you.
Step 5: Enjoy your game
Now, the game should load with admin privileges — which often means fewer permission errors, better stability, and maybe even improved performance. Not sure why it works, but in my experience, it’s a simple fix that benefits a surprising number of games.
Once you’ve done that, the game runs with elevated rights, which helps bypass those permission bottlenecks that sometimes cause crashing or lag. Just a heads up: doing this repeatedly each launch gets old, so it’s worth setting it to always run as admin if you’re into indefinite trouble-shooting.
Tips for Running a Game as Administrator on Windows 11
- Check Compatibility Mode: Sometimes, especially for older games, you need compatibility mode (like Windows 7 or Windows XP). Right-click the game, pick ‘Properties’, go to the ‘Compatibility’ tab, and tick ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for’.
- Create a Shortcut with Admin Rights: To skip the right-click every time, right-click the shortcut, go to ‘Properties’, then ‘Advanced’, and check ‘Run as administrator’. Next time, launch from that shortcut and you’re golden.
- Update Drivers: Graphics drivers, in particular, play a huge role. An outdated GPU driver can cause all sorts of lag or crashes. Windows Update or manufacturer’s sites usually have the latest.
- Disable Background Apps: Closing heavy background stuff — like Chrome, Discord, or other apps — frees up resources and can fix performance hiccups.
- Install the Latest Windows Updates: Sometimes, the OS itself needs an update to fix compatibility issues or bugs that interfere with gaming. Check Settings > Windows Update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I run a game as an administrator?
Basically, some games or their anti-cheat systems, mods, or overlays can’t access certain system files or hardware without admin rights. Giving it those permissions can solve crashes, crashes on startup, or weird bugs.
Will running as administrator harm my computer?
Not if the game is from a trusted source. It just gives the game more access than usual. Still, avoid running unknown or shady software as admin — because, of course, Windows has to make it a bit tricky.
How can I make a game run as administrator every time?
Right-click the game shortcut, go to ‘Properties’, then ‘Advanced’. Check ‘Run as administrator’. Now it’ll always launch with those rights, no fuss.
Can running as admin fix crashes?
It can fix certain permission errors that cause crashes, but not all. If the game itself has bugs or your system is unstable, this might not help much.
Does admin mode boost game performance?
In some cases, yes. If Windows is blocking certain files or throttle settings, lifting those blocks might smooth things out. But don’t think it’s a graphics boost or anything — it’s more about removing bottlenecks caused by permissions.
Summary
- Locate the game or its shortcut
- Right-click and pick ‘Run as administrator’
- Confirm the UAC prompt
- Optional: set it always this way in properties
- Start gaming with fewer permission headaches
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because, honestly, fiddling with permissions isn’t fun, but it might just save your session from crashing at the worst moment.